Widows pension entitlement with a new partner?

[Keyser Soze]

My girlfriend receives a widows pension each month and is concerned that now we live together she shouldn't really be entitled to it. I was under the impression that as long as we weren't married we wouldn't be breaking the law. Is my girlfriend correct am I? (And I must stress we live in the UK).

[dzug]

It depends on the pension scheme that is paying the pension. Some - probably most - count co-habiting as being married.

As does the state scheme: 'You cannot get bereavement benefits if you remarry or if you live with a partner as if you are married to them'

(in Scotland, special habit and repute provisions apply). Whatever that means.

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/dwp/2005/gl14-oct.pdf

[Keyser Soze]

Right well we better keep schtum then until we get married in which case we'll cease to claim it.

[THECORBYLOON]

If yir girlfriend does not report the change in her circumstances she is committing fraud and as well as having to repay any overpayment, she can be prosecuted for it. Yir girlfriend obviously knows what is the right thing to do. If you keep on as it is, you will be living in the hope that no-one reports you. The longer you leave it the worse it will be for yir girlfriend.

[bjoy]

as long as u dont get married my understanding is she is still entitled to the pension as she is still a widow.